Tag: family time

William – the boy who sees kindness unconditionally

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William, Cape Kid of the Month May 2019It is our pleasure to introduce William to you as our Cape Kid for the month of April. William is a 4th grader at Lafayette Avenue School in Chatham, New Jersey, where he spreads kindness daily.

At only 9 years old, William exemplifies what is means to be BETTER THAN THAT™ – he stands up for what is right at all times. If William witnesses another being unkind, he will ask the other person to change his behavior and model kindness, without hesitation. Treating everyone fairly and kindly is incredibly important to William.

William, Wear The Cape Kid of the Month May 2019When William notices that someone is upset, he goes out of his way to cheer up that person with a smile and big hug. “Perhaps the best thing about William is the hug he gives to all he sees. He has a hug so tight that you can literally feel the love he has in his heart for others.” Says mom, Janet.

Spreading kindness is a mission for William. He enjoys reminding others of the importance of Random Acts of Kindness by leaving them notes, with a positive message. Those messages are attached to a friendship bracelet that he makes with love. Writing kindness poems and sharing with others is also a joy for William. One of his goals is to write a “kindness book” when he is older.

William is Autistic. During the month of April, which is National Autism Awareness Month, William and his family chose to “Light it Up Blue” to raise awareness for his disability. He also visited his Aunt Amy’s classroom, where he read the book I See Things Differently: A First Look at Autism to fourth and fifth graders in order to educate them about what life can be like for a child who is on the Autism Spectrum. William was not only very comfortable reading to groups of children he had never met before, but he read with such expression and confidence that he soon earned high praise from the students. William graciously and honestly answered all of their questions. The students left the classroom feeling more educated and better prepared, should they encounter someone who “sees things differently.”

In response to his visit, Aunt Amy replied, “This little boy with a big heart can be the example for many adults who need to remember to be kind to all and accept others as they are,”

Although Autism may cause William to see things differently than others, one thing he sees unconditionally is kindness. Thank you, William, for spreading kindness and making a difference in the world! We are very proud of you.

Quality Time Makes a Comeback!

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Family Quality TimeSchool is back in session, leaving us longing for the lazy days of summer, yet excited for the potential and possibilities that the school year brings.

As our schedules go from relaxed to overwhelming, it is easy to push aside the quality time you shared with your family over the summer. I admit, I do fall into “the back to school trap.” As parents, we transition into “survival mode” while juggling work, dinner, kids activities, and homework. It feels as if there is no extra time to spend on anything fun. Even play dates have taken a back seat in our family, due to lack of time.

However, our children need and crave that quality time and that down time. In response to my son telling me that he “can only talk to me through my lap top,” I decided to make some serious changes this coming school year in an effort to bring back quality time to my family. Below I’ve listed my school year “Quality Time (QT)“ strategies, should you wish to join my mission to bring “QT” back to your family life.

“QT” Strategies:

Power Down: set a specific time during the after school hours where you turn off your phone and computer so that your full attention is on your children. Let co-workers and friends know you are not available between those hours to return calls or messages. Have your children power down as well.

Leverage Driving Time: Car time can be great quality time. Instead of all but the driver on their devices, bring back a good old game of Eye Spy or 20 questions about your day. Our favorite question is: how were you kind today?

Revive Back Family Game Night: Designate one night a week to play board games with your children.

Move Together: Go for a family walk or bike ride

Break Bread Together: If, like most families, you can’t eat dinner as a family each night due to activities, try to eat a family appetizer (fruit and veggies) before you leave for evening activities or perhaps family dessert upon your return. All you need is fifteen minutes, but the benefits of coming together to communicate as a family will last much longer!

Wishing you and your family a happy and successful school year, filled with lots of love, laughter, and….quality time together.

Yours in Kindness,
The Wear the Cape Team

Van Holton School is filled with Superheroes!

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Van Holton School What an amazing morning we had at Van Holton School in Bridgewater, New Jersey.  The amazing students and staff at Van Holton surprised us by making today Superhero Day. They all came to school wearing superhero clothes, costumes, and capes, in our honor. We were delighted!

We were also incredibly honored that the Van Holton staff and PTA chose us, out of many other assemblies, to be a part of their Week of Empathy – a week dedicated to respect and kindness.

We heard immediate and positive feedback regarding our program from students, teachers, and the principal. One teacher commented,  “This is such a valuable message! I’m so glad you came to our school.”  We are too!

For further information on how to bring a Hero Assembly to your school, or to take advantage of our Spring Savings, please email leighann@wearthecapekids.com.